From: vaughnsimon@gmail.com   
      
   On 2/5/2012 7:16 AM, Brian Gaff wrote:   
   > New visitor here, so if its in an archive, sorry.   
   >   Is there a relatively cheap device that can turn pedal power into a charger   
   > for batteries for phones or other devices? All this keep fit going on seems   
   > so wasteful.   
      
   In my (brief) experience, about 50 watts is the most power a non-athlete   
   could hope to generate for any length of time on a peddle generator.  As   
   an old guy in only average shape, I have no problem peddling at 14mph   
   for an hour at a time, which probably comes to about 50 watts output.   
   The difference is, I'm doing it out in a breeze.  On a stationary bike   
   you will likely need a fan to keep you cool while you are peddling.   
   Guess how much power that will take?   
      
   Now do the math!  At 50 watts, it would take you 20 hours to generate   
   one kilowatt-hour, or about 15 cents worth of power.  As a further brain   
   exercise, figure out how many hours you would need to peddle to pay for   
   your equipment.   
      
   Now you know why peddle-powered generators aren't common.   
      
   Vaughn   
      
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